Information communication needs and ecosystem assessments

Addressing information risks entails understanding the information ecosystem within which they are taking place. 

Conducting an Information Communication Needs Assessment (ICNA) and/or and Information Ecosystem assessment serves two primary purposes. First, it allows colleagues to understand what the means through information risks may be spreading and can which can help identify which actors, platforms or channels are particularly influential. Second, it informs how to best respond to such risks by identifying which actors should be engaged or avoided and what channels (i.e. social media platforms, traditional media, etc..) are best placed or most trusted for sharing accurate and timely information. 

Before undertaking an assessment, it is recommended to look at a number of the different guides and assessments produced by different media development agencies and other humanitarian actors. A comprehensive examination of the information ecosystem, including both social and mainstream media, as well as offline spaces where information risks may manifest, is a crucial step in designing monitoring and detection efforts as well as response activities. 

Should I conduct an Information Ecosystem Assessment or an Information Communication Needs Assessment?

Information ecosystem assessments are in-depth assessments using a variety of research methods. Information needs assessments are shorter surveys, ideally combined with qualitative data from focus group discussions or interviews. If there is limited time and resources, projects sometimes might choose to only implement an information needs assessment, rather than an information ecosystem assessment.

While it is important to understand the information ecosystem prior to beginning any activities, it is recommended that these activities are repeated frequently to ensure community needs are still being met.  Information needs and uses can change quickly, especially in humanitarian contexts, so continuous assessment, analysis, and action are essential.